Location of Beach
Dona
Paula is located in west Tiswadi Taluka, just 7 kms south of Panaji, the
capital of Goa. The Miramar beach is 3 kms north of Dona Paula and the
Vainguinim beach is one km west. Dona Paula beach lies on the southern side
of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands which seperate the Mandovi and Zuari
river.
Beach Overview
If you want some relief from the boring visits to churches and temples,
head towards the romantic Dona Paula beach. Due to its proximity to Goa's
capital Panaji, you will find Dona Paula active throughout the year.
Considered among the most attractive beaches of Goa, Dona Paula will offer
you excellent opportunities to enjoy a sunbath and buy cheap goods from the
seaside vendors. Walk along the palm and casuarina fringed beach and get
wonderful views of the Mormugao harbour and the sunset on Arabian Sea. Dona
Paula offers great fishing prospects also, while strolling along the beach
you can often see anglers waiting for a bite.
Dona Paula beach is actually a combination of three beaches - Dona Paula,
Hawaii beach and Vainguinim beach. Hawaii is just 200 m long and most of
Goa's sailing activities take place here, while the Vainguinim beach is much
longer and totally encircled by the Cidade de Goa resort, with two entrances
for public.
Many legends are attached to Dona Paula and the most popular among them is
the romance between Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of Portuguese
Governor and a young Goanese fisherman, Gasper Dias. As Dona Paula's desire
was not fulfilled due to family bar, she committed suicide by drowning
herself in the Arabian Sea. Later, the city was named after her to
commemorate her sacrifice. The myth says that on full-moon nights, Dona
Paula emerges from the sea wearing only a pearl necklace.
With the romance and myth attached to it - thousands of tourists throng the
beach not only in search of the deceased lovers, but also to indulge
themselves in water sports.
Beach Attractions
Water Sports : Dona Paula Beach is known for availability
of plenty of water sports facilities. There are several sports club in Dona
Paula which offer in-house and beachside water sports. You can enjoy popular
water sports like water-scooter, cycle and motor-boat rides.
Apart from these, you can also indulge in other water sports like
windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, toboggan ski-biscuit,
ski-bob, kayaking, yachting, sports fishing and harpoon fishing.
Swimming : The Dona Paula beach is very safe for swimming,
but you should maintain a distance of 300 m away from the river.
Leisure Activities : Shopping is the main leisure activity
at Dona Paula beach. The beach is lined with a number of shops where you can
buy a variety of items, right from eatables to clothes. On the beach, you
will find vendors selling straw hats, handkerchiefs and spices. You must buy
the Goan liquor specialties - Feni and port wine and also the local liquor.
If you want to buy handicrafts and jewellery, visit the Indian Arts
Emporium.
Fairs and Festivals at Dona Paula : Janmashtami and the
Feast of St. Lawrence are the two main festivals of Dona Paula beach. If you
visit Dona Paula in November, the colourful water sports festival will
captivate your eyes. Apart from watching the colourful activities, you can
also take part in the exciting events like water scooter, cycle races and
surfing.
Nearby Attractions
National Oceanography Institute : Established in the year
1960, the National Oceanography Institute works in the field of Marine
Biology and also in the major branches of Coastal and Marine Oceanography.
While you are in the institute, you must visit the Marine Biology Museum and
Taxonomy Reference Centre.
Cabo Raj Niwas (Raj Bhawan) : From the National
Oceanography Institute move half a kilometre further to reach the Cabo Raj
Nivas. Here, you will see the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes housed in the
Cabo Chapel. Also, get the spectacular views of the coastline and the
magnificent Aguada Fort.
Excursions
Salim
Ali Bird Sanctuary (9 kms) : If you want to see a variety of
domestic and migratory birds in their natural habitat, visit the Salim Ali
Bird Sanctuary. Situated on the western tip of Choro Island, along the
Mandovi River, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Take the
permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden and venture inside the bird
sanctuary to watch numerous local and migratory avian species.
Reis Magos Church (10 kms) : Visit Reis Magos Church, one
of the oldest churches built in Goa, which was once the residence of
dignitaries and a mission center of the Franciscan order. The Reis Magos
Church is dedicated to three Magi (the wise men of the East) - Melchior,
Balthazar and Gaspar. Legend has it that three Magi were guided by a star to
Bethlehem to greet the infant Jesus.
Best Time to Visit
November
to February is the best time to visit the Dona Paula Beach. This is the time
when you can also participate in the water sports festival. You can also
visit Dona Paula during the festivals like Janmashtami festival and the
Feast of St. Lawrence to immerse yourself in the colours of festivity.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is available in hotels, guest houses and beachside huts, that
cater to your budget and requirements. Cidade de Goa, the only five star
hotel in Dona Paula Beach has a private beach and it is among the top water
sports providers in Goa. Apart from Cidade de Goa, other popular hotels are
Villa Sol, Hotel Bernardo, Prainha Cottages, O Pescador Dona Paula Beach
Resort, Sea View and Three Seasons Vainguinim Valley Resort.
How to Reach
Dabolim airport is 32 kms away from Dona Paula and 29 kms from Panaji. The
airport has flights from major cities of India as well as Gulf countries
like Kuwait and Sarjah. From Dabolim airport you have to hire a pre-paid or
private taxi to reach Dona Paula. Karmali is the nearest railway station,
which is 19 kms from the Beach. Goa's main railway station, Margao is 37 kms
away and is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore and
Thiruvananthapuram. Buses operate at every five minute from the Panaji bus
stand to the Dona Paula bus stand. For local transport bus, taxi,
auto-rickshaw and and motorcycle taxi services available. Ferry service are
also available from Mormugao to Dona Paula Beach.
